15 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Basel to Paris 2027(WZP)

Avalon Waterways River Cruise - Basel to Paris

Timeless Rivers of Europe: the Rhine and Seine

Starting from $6,102
Ship(s): Avalon Envision, Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon View
Specialty Cruises: World War II Remembrance & History; Wine Lovers
15 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Basel to Paris 2027 - WZP
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1.888.804.CRUISE (2784)

River Cruise Description

Immerse yourself in German and French culture on this fabulous Europe river cruise vacation along the Seine and Rhine Rivers. Revel in the romance and splendor of this magical journey on two of Europe's most legendary waterways.

Your adventure begins in Breisach, Germany, the gateway to Germany's Black Forest-an area of unrivaled natural beauty. Strasbourg, France, located on the French-German border, perfectly blends the cultures of both countries. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful view of the Rhine River where ancient castles stand on cliffs 400 feet above the water. Cologne, Germany-a 2,000-year-old city best known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral, comes alive on a guided walk. Continue to Amsterdam, the modern capital of Holland. Transfer to Paris by high-speed train to start your Seine River cruise. Enjoy wine, cheese, beautiful scenery along the Seine River, and stops in charming and historical parts of France, but your adventure would not be complete without some time in Paris-one of the world's most romantic and vibrant cities! Discover the true heart of Paris on a guided walk through the sites of Paris' rich history or take a tour showing you the iconic sites of this enchanting city.
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Departure DateShipPriced From
(per person)		 
Mar 30, 2027Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$7,652Call Us!
Apr 6, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$7,952Call Us!
Apr 13, 2027Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$8,152Call Us!
Apr 20, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$8,352Call Us!
May 11, 2027Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$8,702Call Us!
May 18, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$8,952Call Us!
May 25, 2027
World War II Remembrance & History(WZP-T8)
Sail through the picturesque and historic landscapes of Normandy, with the choice to visit the historic sites of the famed WWII landing beaches, and moving monuments to Allied forces, or you may explore the farming region for a "Taste of Normandy."
Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$8,952Call Us!
Jun 1, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$8,952Call Us!
Jun 22, 2027Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$8,202Call Us!
Jun 29, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$8,202Call Us!
Jul 6, 2027Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$7,702Call Us!
Jul 13, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$7,702Call Us!
Jul 20, 2027Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$7,702Call Us!
Jul 27, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$7,702Call Us!
Aug 3, 2027Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$7,702Call Us!
Aug 10, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$7,802Call Us!
Aug 17, 2027Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$8,502Call Us!
Aug 24, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$8,852Call Us!
Aug 31, 2027Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$9,202Call Us!
Sep 7, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$9,202Call Us!
Sep 28, 2027Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$8,752Call Us!
Oct 5, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$8,402Call Us!
Oct 12, 2027Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$8,102Call Us!
Oct 19, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$7,702Call Us!
Oct 26, 2027
Wine Lovers(WZP-T7)
A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.
Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$6,502Call Us!
Nov 2, 2027Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Envision$6,302Call Us!
Nov 9, 2027
Wine Lovers(WZP-T7)
A Master of Wine will accompany you on this portion of your cruise with presentations, tastings, and wine pairings along the way.
Avalon View, Avalon Tapestry II$6,102Call Us!
Avalon Choice

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
  • Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.

River Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to Switzerland.
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding.
Flights into Zürich or Basel must arrive by 3 pm.
Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.
Enjoy dinner and explore the ship on your first night on board.
EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH
(D)

Day 2 BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Active
Take a Guided E-bike Tour to experience the magical Black Forest from a unique point of view, OR:
Classic
Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernohf open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour to explore Freiburg’s medieval city center, sheltered by the Black Forest amid vineyards and gardens of the Upper Rhine Valley.
You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning, with its half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KEHL
(B,L,D)

Day 3 KEHL. EXCURSION TO STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France
Active
Discover Strasbourg by bike with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.
You may also choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France—or visit Alsace’s wine country today.
Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN
(B,L,D)

Day 4 LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Wine Barrel
Active
Join your Avalon Adventure Host for an inspiring walk in Heidelberg, the Philosophers' way, OR:
Classic
Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Visit to Schwetzingen Palace—the heart of a stunning site consisting of the palace, palace gardens, and historic palace square.
This afternoon through the evening, enjoy leisurely sailing to Rüdesheim.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN RÜDESHEIM
(B,L,D)

Day 5 RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country
Active
Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; enjoy a tasting of the authentic Rüdesheimer coffee, OR:
Discovery
Take a Guided Visit to the historic 18th-century wooden-barrel cellar of Johannisberg Castle and enjoy a delicious wine tasting.
En route to Koblenz, sail through the Rhine Gorge (a UNESCO World Heritage site). Take in the breathtaking views of ancient castles perched on cliffs 400 feet above the water and pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei—where the mythological siren’s songs lured ill-fated sailors.
KOBLENZ
Travel Through 2000 Years Of Monumental History
Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.
This evening enjoy live entertainment onboard.
OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO COLOGNE
(B,L,D)

Day 6 COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Active
Enjoy a bike ride like the locals in Cologne with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral.
Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!
AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM
(B,L,D)

Day 7 AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam
Active
Start your day joining your Adventure Host on an early morning walk in Amsterdam, OR:
Classic
Discover the true beauty of Amsterdam with an off-the-beaten-path Guided Walking Tour through its cobblestone streets for a captivating look at this legendary city, OR:
Classic
Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional Biking Tour to discover the countryside.
Take some free time to explore Amsterdam’s colorful streets and canal houses, galleries, and shops.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM
(B,L,D)

Day 8 AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION) –PARIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

On to Paris
This morning, board a high-speed train for Paris to embark on your Avalon Suite Ship® and enjoy dinner onboard this evening.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VERNON
(B,D)

Day 9 VERNON

Monet’s Muses, Castle Courtyards, and Crêpes du Jour
Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.
Active
Take a Guided Bike Tour through the picturesque Normandy countryside from Vernon to Giverny, ending with a visit to Monet’s enchanting gardens and home, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Tour of Giverny, home and inspiration of the master impressionist painter Claude Monet. Walk the grounds and see Monet’s charming residence, and the flower and water gardens captured in his masterpieces*, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Visit to Bizy Castle—called “Normandy’s Versailles” for its magnificent courtyard, water garden, and stables.
Discovery
While sailing, enjoy a traditional French luncheon of authentic French crêpes, followed by a Pastry Demonstration.
This afternoon, enjoy a beautiful cruise to the picturesque town of Les Andelys.
LES ANDELYS
Serenity on the Seine
Active
Join a Guided Hike up to the castle ruins of Château Gaillard—historic home of King Richard the Lionheart, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Les Andelys—one of France’s most picturesque spots on the Seine.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CAUDEBEC
(B,L,D)
*Monet’s House is closed in March and November. During this period, this excursion will be replaced with a Guided Tour of La Roche-Guyon and its castle

Day 10 CAUDEBEC

Ancient Abbeys Along the Seine
Active
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the river with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Trip along the Normandy Abbeys Route—where more than 100 medieval Benedictine and Augustine abbeys and churches were built along the Seine.
This afternoon, you may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the old seaside town of Honfleur.
Discovery
Enjoy an Onboard Lecture about the days before and after the Normandy landing of D-Day.
Later, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN CAUDEBEC
(B,L,D)

Day 11 CAUDEBEC. EXCURSION TO NORMANDY

Bravery on Normandy Beaches and French Farming Traditions
Classic
Join a Guided Tour of Normandy’s WWII landing beaches, visit significant U.S. sites, including Omaha Beach, the Pointe du Hoc monument, and the American Cemetery, OR:
Classic
Take a full-day Guided Tour of the British and Canadian commemorative sites, including the British cemetery, Pegasus Memorial, the seaside town of Arromanches, the Juno Beach Center, and the Bény-sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetery, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Tour to get a taste of authentic tradition in the beautiful region of Normandy. Toast the day with a brandy tasting in Calvados.
EVENING CRUISE TO ROUEN
(B,L,D)

Day 12 ROUEN

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame and a Heroine for France
Active
Take a Guided Bike Tour to discover and explore the most famous monuments and the lesser known hidden gems of Rouen on two wheels, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided Walking Tour of Rouen—site of Saint Joan of Arc’s martyrdom—and see the medieval quarter with its 16th-century Astronomical Clock, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO CONFLANS
(B,L,D)

Day 13 CONFLANS

The Footsteps of Van Gogh, Bonaparte, and Louis XIV
Active
Enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the Seine with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided Visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, home and resting place of Vincent van Gogh, OR:
Classic
Take a Guided tour of the opulent Château de Malmaison*—home of Napoléon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine.
Perhaps, join a Guided Optional Excursion to the Palace of Versailles—home to a succession of French kings.
This evening, enjoy live entertainment on board your ship.
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO PARIS
(B,L,D)
* Château de Malmaison is closed the 1st Monday of each month. On these dates, this excursion will be replaced by a visit to Château de Chantilly

Day 14 PARIS

Cafés, Cathedrals, and Canvases in the City of Light
Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.
Active
Experience the Seine river by foot with your Adventure Host, OR:
Classic
Discover the ancient heart of Paris on a captivating Guided Walk featuring the Palais-Royal, Louvre pyramid, ancient sites on Île de la Cité, the Left Bank, bustling Latin Quarter, and more, OR:
Classic
Join a Guided City Tour featuring the iconic sites of Paris, which make the City of Light the most romantic and remarkable city in the world.
Stroll through Paris on your own or linger over wine in a literary café on the Left Bank.
OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN PARIS
(B,L,D)

Day 15 PARIS (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.
(B)
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